Hopperstad Stave Church

Photo: Dagfinn Rasmussen

Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn dates from around 1130. When the new church was built in 1877 the stave church was sold to the National Trust of Norway (Fortidsminneforeningen). During its long life, Hopperstad Stave Church has experienced both periods of decline and a wonderful restoration in the 1880’s by the architect Peter Blix.

Key Facts

• Built in the mid-1100s • Located in Vik, Vestland • Preserved through extensive 19th-century restoration

Brief Overview

• Distinctive multi-tiered roof with dragon head details • Well-preserved stave structure with rich exterior character • Set in the scenic Sognefjord landscape

Unique Features

• One of the earliest stave churches restored in a “historic style” • Influenced how stave churches are perceived and reconstructed today • Combines original structure with interpretive restoration work

History of the Church

We do not know much about the appearance of the stave church during medieval times, but its restoration in the 1880’s was based upon similar stave churches such as Borgund, and remnants of the original stave church. Hopperstad Stave Church is the only church where the original narrow chancel opening is preserved. In the Middle Ages, openings with small arches were added on either side of the narrow chancel arch. The main west-facing portal is a fine example of medieval carving, featuring rampant dragons and intertwining vines. The south-facing portal has magnificent wrought-iron fittings. The baldachin from approximately 1300 is unique in its kind and orginally formed a canopy over a side altar with a Madonna or saint figure. The paintings on the canopy depict the Nativity and Jesus’ early years.